When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Eschar and slough in the wound are not signs of proper healing. They are necrotic tissue that impairs wound healing and increases the risk of infection. They should be removed by debridement to promote wound closure.

Choice B reason: A well-approximated incision site is a sign of proper healing. It means that the edges of the wound are close together and aligned, without gaps or separation. It indicates that the wound is healing by primary intention, which is the fastest and most desirable method of wound healing.

Choice C reason: Beefy red granulation tissue is a sign of healing, but not of proper healing for a surgical incision. It is new tissue that fills the wound bed and consists of blood vessels and connective tissue. It indicates that the wound is healing by secondary intention, which is a slower and less desirable method of wound healing.

Choice D reason: Erythema and serosanguineous exudate are not signs of proper healing. They are signs of inflammation and possible infection. Erythema is redness of the skin around the wound, and serosanguineous exudate is a mixture of blood and serum that drains from the wound. They should be monitored and reported to the health care provider.

A. Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths. B. Tell the client the medication needs more time to work. C. Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client. D. Reassess the client and the level of pain.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the best intervention as it does not address the cause of the pain or provide adequate relief. Deep breathing may help the client to relax and cope with the pain, but it is not enough to manage severe pain.

Choice B reason: This is not a true or helpful statement as it may imply that the nurse is dismissing the client's pain or delaying further action. Oxycodone is a fast-acting opioid analgesic that reaches its peak effect within 30 to 60 minutes. If the client is still in severe pain after one hour, the nurse should reassess the pain and notify the healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority intervention as it does not address the cause of the pain or provide adequate relief. A backrub may help the client to relax and distract from the pain, but it is not enough to manage severe pain.

Choice D reason: This is the best intervention as it helps the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and the need for further intervention. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool and ask the client about the location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain. The nurse should also check the client's vital signs and observe for any signs of adverse effects from the medication.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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